Australia’s ice hockey federation has pulled out of hosting a lower-tier men's world championship event featuring Israel's national team, citing security concerns. The decision came after a recent rise in antisemitic attacks in Australia and created backlash from Jewish groups and a debate about whether the country was capable of hosting events that could spark protests.

Australia's ice hockey federation said on Tuesday it had cancelled a planned international qualifying tournament due to safety concerns, with local media reporting the decision was linked to the participation of the Israeli national team.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry Co-Chief Executive Alex Ryvchin discusses the government’s decision to cancel a major ice hockey tournament in Melbourne.